An Examination of Conscience for Vincentians (adapted from ‘Prayerbook, SSVP Council of Scotland’) shared with the wider Vincentian Family by way of Denise Bondy of the Ontario SSVDP.

She writes… “I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I read an examination of conscience it feels like something that was designed for children.  This one spoke to me as a member struggling to follow our calling.  I plan to try to work through each item during the days of Lent 2015.  Perhaps you and/or your fellow Vincentians would like to do the same?”

An Examination of Conscience for Vincentians (Word format)

An Examination of Conscience for Vincentians (adapted from ‘Prayerbook, SSVP Council of Scotland’)

Why am I a member of Society of Saint Vincent de Paul?

                  First and foremost, my membership of the Society is to make me a better person – to deepen my

                  relationship with Our Lord. If I am not striving after this, then my being a SSVP member is

                  useless, despite the would-be good works I am doing.

Am I trying hard enough to become a better person through the Society?

This will involve my fidelity to the Mass and Sacraments, to prayer and my love for people who need me. Then I must go further: I must strive to be aware of the presence of God all around me, in creation and in creatures.

What are my relationships with my own family and friends?

We must first see to it that our relationships with our families and friends are what thye should be. We cannot hope to form Christlike relationships with the poor and needy unless our own home lives reflect the proper kind of love of Christ.

Do I see in even the most unworthy of people the face of Christ?

We cannot pick and choose the people we have to help. We accept each person who comes our way. Even if our help is squandered and misused, we have done our part.

Is my conference meeting such that it enriches my faith?

If it is not, then there is something wrong with it, and it has maybe developed into a mere discussion of “cases”. It must be no ordinary meeting, but a holy encounter between people who are striving after a closer encounter with Our Lord.

Am I unobtrusive enough in my membership of the Society?

To work silently, with no wish for recognition or reward has always been a characteristic of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Do I like the sound of my own voice? Do I try to force my opinions on others or grumble about others’ methods?

 Am I gentle enough in my dealings with Vincentians and with those I help?

Our Lord was meek, gentle, understanding and courteous. We must strive to be Jesus to one another, to the poor and even to the toughest and roughest people we meet. We show to them the same courtesy Our Lord Himself would show.

Am I an example to others?

I must be a genuine example to others of living in the faith of Christ. I must be strong in principle, gentle in its application. But above all, I must practice what I preach and preach what I stand for.

WORK HARD AT HOLINESS,

AND YOUR WORKS WILL TAKE CARE

OF THEMSELVES.

 See also STATIONS OF THE CROSS SVDP (PDF)